Job description
Requisition Number:
48014
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
University Staff
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
15-May-2023
Date Posted:
01-May-2023
Job Summary
The University of Colorado Boulder department of Strategic Relations & Communication encourages applications for a
Science Writer, Media Relations position! This vital member of the central campus news team finds and tells compelling stories about a range of captivating topics, including climate change impacts and solutions, chemistry, ecology and evolutionary biology, geography, atmospheric and oceanic studies, among others. This role will break down complex research into engaging content through clear, succinct and compelling news writing and multimedia storytelling with the overall goal of attracting positive attention from external media and key constituents in Colorado and nationwide. The Science Writer will collaborate with campus partners, videographers, photographers, and other members of the Strategic Relations and Communications team to create and share high-impact digital content through paid, earned and owned channels aimed to highlight the innovative research and vast faculty experience of CU Boulder.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
Strategic Relations and Communications facilitates an integrated approach to campus wide marketing and communications to encourage greater CU Boulder engagement, affinity and support.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Identify stories of wide public interest for news packaging by meeting with campus scientists to discuss the latest research efforts and by reading national science media, including magazines, news sites and academic papers to keep abreast of the latest national research trends and advances, particularly in climate and environmental science.
- Develop and cultivate relationships with journalists covering core topic areas.
- Write news releases, CU Boulder Today stories, and timely Q and As to pitch to local, state and national media.
- Serve as primary media point of contact to several CU Boulder-affiliated research centers and institutes focused on climate and environmental science.
- Follow media trends and pitch related stories to local and national reporters, write and disseminate expert tip sheets, respond promptly to all media requests, and update media lists in key beat areas.
- Assist other university departments and business units that need a writer with scientific research-writing expertise. This could include projects for Marketing and Creative Services, Research & Innovation, Alumni Relations, Government Relations, or other units that need research content of strategic value.
- Assist with and contribute to video and audio storytelling.
What You Should Know
- This is a hybrid position, working both remotely and in-person on the CU Boulder campus.
What We Can Offer
- The salary range for this position is $68,100 to $73,100 annually.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
Be Statements
Be authentic. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
- Three years of professional experience in journalism, communications, mass communications, or similar field.
What You Will Need
- Ability to write succinctly in an engaging way about science for a lay audience.
- Capable of staying abreast of ongoing and upcoming, embargoed research in beat areas that may be of interest to the media and general public.
- Able to identify faculty experts who can be made available to media, particularly in response to breaking news.
- Able to strategically select, coordinate or create multimedia assets to augment engagement with content based on target audience.
- Confidently develops and nurtures positive relationships with reporters via calculated pitching and quality responsiveness.
- Capable of helping university experts better understand how media works and the role they can play in showing university research by faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students in a positive light.
What We Would Like You to Have
Degree in a science field or in journalism, public relations or related field.
Prior experience in science journalism, higher education research or science communications.
Expertise in PhotoShop, InDesign (or similar), Final Cut Pro (or similar), Drupal (or similar), Adobe Audition (or similar) and data visualization.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
- A writing sample or link to your portfolio.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by May 15, 2023 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
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